This I Know
This isn't my typical sort of post.
I usually begin with a daily life story of sorts that sparked some sort of spiritual stirring or revelation. But not today.
I enjoy sharing cute stories of my kiddos (or dog) and then weaving in a faith correlation. But that's not this post.
No, this post comes with a bit of weight.
You see, I LOVE the Olympics. Always have. And this year, they couldn't have come at a better time as my husband and I are currently in a “show hole”. If I've already watched the latest episode of “This is Us” (and bawled my eyes out) and there are no new Brian Regan comedic specials (if you like to laugh, look him up – the cleanest, laugh out loud comedian I've ever listened to), the television is usually nothing but a waste of space for us in the evening hours. But with the Olympics! Oh, the glorious stories of triumph, defeat, everyday people overcoming amazing challenges, making unbelievable sacrifices. What a great way to end the day.
Until 10:30pm rolled around.
Now I'm not typically a news watcher. I signed off on that long ago. Call it avoidance or call it smart, I just don't. Over the years I've become increasingly more wary of the news – not only the negativity that it often brings with it but also the opinions being presented by those reporting it. Not to mention that I am married to a man who listens to talk radio pretty much nonstop on his hour plus commute to and from work each day and then sometime proceeds to turn it on in our kitchen upon his arrival home. So yeah, I know what I feel I need to know and I am a firm believer in knowing your own “mental limits” and protecting your mind. For me, watching the nightly news does not put me in a mentally healthy place.
But not these past few weeks. With the promise of more Olympics after enduring the report on current events, most nights I waited it out.
And we all know what happened during that period of time in Parkland, Florida.
And we all know the lines in the sand that have once again been drawn as a result.
But it's not just Parkland and it's not just the news.
The amount of political unrest, the general lack of hope, the dissension between race and color, the pushing of alternative lifestyles, the sinfulness surrounding us is getting to be too great to bear.
We listen to a heart-wrenching story about a bobsled driver who was arguably at the top of his game when he was found dead in his room, a combination of an excess of alcohol and sleeping pills found in his system.
We watch figure skating with my children and have to explain to my daughters why a man is dressed to the nines like a woman.
We cheer for an American who finishes his snowboard run and then is greeted, not by the stars and stripes, but by rainbow flags and a kiss from his boyfriend and my children look at me confused.
And I try to explain – as much to myself as to my children – that each of these people are loved by God. That Jesus died to save each one of their souls. But that, unfortunately, not everyone believes that.
After tucking my children into bed, my husband and I settle on the couch to watch the remainder of the games for the evening and soon after, the news begins (is it 10:30 already?). A history of the Florida shooter's mental health issues flashes across the screen. Some try to convince others that perhaps it would've been better if this boy had been aborted rather than adopted (wha??!?). The anchor explains a planned school “walk out” which is to display frustration with a lack of action on gun laws. The Russian curling team's medal is taken away after tests showed evidence of more doping. More “sexual misconduct” stories emerge from Hollywood. A male figure skating competitor is said to have “stolen the hearts of America” with his heroic tale of being openly gay. The North Korean cheerleaders are revealed to be called the “Pleasure Squad” by some insiders due to countless detestable forced sexual encounters. “The View” strikes once again as one of the co-hosts labels believing Jesus speaks to you as “mental illness.”
And my heart breaks.
And my mind races.
And my feet want to get up and do something about it. All of it.
And the Devil tells me that I can't. He tells me that it's useless to even care. He tells me that with all of the evil out there, why should I feel such opposition to a man just wanting to love another man?
And I feel like there is a war: an “us” and a “them”.
And there is. But it's not between people. It is between God and all that is good and the Devil and all that is contrary to what God says.
And with a look of desperation, I say to my husband, “What is the solution to all of this??”
Where do we find this line in the sand? Where do we find the perfect balance between love for all of God's people but firmness in sticking to what He tells us in His Word is right? Why are we told that someone should be praised for openly living an alternative lifestyle but someone else should be ridiculed for claiming that Jesus speaks to them? How can there be so many sides to take in a clear act of violence which we can all agree is wrong regardless of what you feel the motive was or whether or not it is right to own a firearm? Why can't someone simply compete for his or her country and not make it about a lifestyle decision or political platform?
And my husband looks back it me and he says, “We both know what it is. Everyone needs Jesus.”
I'm not trying to over-simplify it. The world we live in is complicated. And so are the issues. But the overall answer is simple. Yet oh-so hard for so many to believe.
But here is what I know:
1. God is still in control and always will be.
“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’ ”
“‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’”
“O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. ”
2. God loves ALL people -- even those who don't love Him back or believe that He exists -- and He commands that we do the same.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. ”
“‘But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you...If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.’”
“‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’”
3. Loving all people and condoning their lifestyles or actions is not the same thing.
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. ...Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ...Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”
4. We should never ever EVER stop praying.
“‘But I tell you: Love your enemies and PRAY for those who persecute you.’”
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The Olympics have in no way, shape or form, made me into a “news watcher”. But they have reminded me of just how much the unbelieving world needs us as Christians. So reach out to those walking in darkness in whatever way you can and pray for them. Remember that they aren't "the bad guys" -- we are all fallen sinners in need of a Savior. Remember that Jesus loved them first. And remember that He is not finished with any of us just yet.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another...
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
